When the former Manchester United star took over from Steve Bruce at the McAlpine back in October the Terriers were all but dead and buried at the foot of the table.

However, six months on and Macari's dogs of war are now in with a great chance of survival after hauling themselves out of the dreaded dropzone.

And the gaffer puts it all down to one factor -- his tough new regime.

"Recent results have given us a great deal of hope," admitted the Town boss.

"We're working hard and the attitude in training is great -- even on Sundays!

"We have no days off and the players don't have a problem with that.

"At one point we were just looking at catching two or three of the sides above us because we were well adrift a while ago, nowhere near anyone else.

"We knew it would be difficult but we realised our predicament and went through December unbeaten and got back into the pack.

"We knew the run wouldn't last forever -- that we would be dragged back into it -- which we were, and we know it's going to be a battle now until the end of the season.

"But this last month we have got back on track and instead of just being in the mix with two or three teams at the bottom, we are now among a pack of six or seven.

"Every goal and every point is vital and, if we stay up by goal difference, then so be it --we'll have deserved it."

It's not all been plain sailing for Macari since he succeeded Bruce.

When he initially took over as caretaker, Town failed to register a goal in any of his first six games in charge which left them eight points adrift at the bottom. But once he got the job on a permanent basis, he then set about masterminding the recovery.

Five wins in December saw him pocket the First Division Manager of the month award as the Terriers moved off the bottom.

But, despite that upturn in fortunes, the threat of relegation still hangs over them and they couldn't face two tougher matches in their survival bid over Easter.

League-leaders Fulham were due at the McAlpine today followed by a high noon showdown with Rovers at Ewood on Monday.

That's a daunting Bank Holiday double-header in anyone's book but Macari believes that could yet bring the best out of his side at a vital stage in the season when relegation and promotion issues are all but decided.

"We're playing the best two teams in the league but, the way we are working hard for each other, there is a chance for us," said Macari.

"Both are exceptional sides but we have the desire to stay up -- I'm convinced of that.

"The relegation battle will ultimately go down to which side can hold their nerve and we look capable of doing that at this moment in time.

"Our supporters can certainly help us as well.

"I think we had the best away following this season in our goalless draw at Preston last week and they were a massive help.

"They realise the effort we are putting in, they can't fault us for not trying.

"And their support between now and the end of the season could well make a difference."